MotoSpecs

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212020 - 21
Make ModelTriumph Bonneville SpeedmasterHarley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height705 mm / 27.8 in735 mm / 28.9 in
Wheelbase1500 mm / 59.1 in1515 mm / 59.6 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1055 mm /41.5 in-
Length2225 mm / 87.6 in2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width910 mm / 35.8 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-248 kg / 547 lb.
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.2 US gal12 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 2.7 US qrts
Wet Weight263 kg / 580 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs
Performance
Max Power57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm-
Max Torque106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm99 Nm / 73 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu in1202 cc / 73.4 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
EmissionsEURO5-
ExhaustChromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencersBlack, staggered exhaust and headers with black slash-cut mufflers
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injectionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
IgnitionDigitalDigital CDI
LubricationWet sump-
Starter-Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, torque assist clutch-
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1ST 9.315 2ND 6.653 3RD 4.948 4TH 4.102 5TH 3.517
Primary Drive-Chain, 38/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive6-Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin cradle frameMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Suspension - Front47 mm Showa cartridge forks39 mm Forks
Suspension - RearMono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustmentCoil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Lean Angle-28°
Rake25.3°30°
SwingarmTwin sided fabrication-
Trail91.4 mm / 3.6 in117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipersSingle 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliperSingle 292mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSStandard-
Tyres - Front130/90-16100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear150/80-16150/80B16 77H
Wheels - FrontWire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 inBlack, 9-spoke
Wheels - RearWire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 inBlack, 9-spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster edges out the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, liquid cooling, standard ABS and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 106 Nm vs 99 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 735 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is lighter at 256 kg compared to 263 kg for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - a difference of 7 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 sits higher at 735 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 have ABS?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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